Another Banana Cake – David Lebovitz inspired

December 14, 2007

I never tire of making banana cakes (or bread if you like to call it that). Banana cake was the first thing I ever baked and it has remained a hot favourite. Besides, now that we are trying to avoid eggs in baked products too, it is fun to look at innovative ways to bake our favourite goodies by using interesting substitutes like yoghurt, coconut milk, coconut water, flaxeed paste etc.

For a banana cake, since bananas are a great binding agent anyway, use of adequate baking powder and replacing the liquid part of the eggs with a liquid of our choice seems to work pretty well.

I came upon this beautiful piece of cake on one of my favourite blogs, and I had to tie my apron on immediately. This was over 2 months ago and the cake turned out so moist and delicious, we simply loved it. In that one, I had sprinkled poppy seeds and arranged a sliced firm banana on the top – in addition to mashed ripe bananas in the mix. The banana slices caramelized to a yummy brown colour and deep rich taste. Unforgettable. I do remember having taken pics, but will take me a while to fish them out.

Today’s version looks plane Jane in comparison, but I can already smell the sweet heady aromas, as it is baking.

I never tire of making banana cakes (or bread if you like to call it that). Banana cake was the first thing I ever baked and it has remained a hot favourite. Besides, now that we are trying to avoid eggs in baked products too, it is fun to look at innovative ways to bake our favourite goodies by usi

Sift together in a bowl the flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

In a mixer, put in the bananas, jaggery, coconut water and yoghurt. Blend into a fine puree.

In a large bowl, place the melted ghee. Add the puree into this along with vanilla essence.

Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and stir in the wet ingredients with a spatula until almost mixed. Add in the nuts and stir until just combined, but don't overstir: stop when any traces of flour disappear.

Scrape the mixture into the prepared pan - top with banana slices nicely arranged, sprinkle sugar and cinnamon with some poppy seeds over the top and bake for 40 minutes, or until the center feels lightly-springy and just done.

Cool on a wire rack.

Recipe Notes

Notes:

This cake is very low in fat, from the two tbsp used. Sugar is replaced by jaggery which is a healthier source of sweetness, not to mention the lovely golden brown colour it imparts. Eggs are replaced by coconut water and 2/3rds of the the AP flour is replaced by whole wheat flour, adding to the fibre content.

I have also tried using 1/4th cup Semolina and 3/4 cup whole wheat flour, for a cake with added texture. Diabetics can enjoy a slice of this cake too, right after lunch or dinner without worrying about shooting up their blood sugar too much.

A word about WBB for December - I was trying to contact the blogger who had confirmed to take up this month until this week, and since I haven't received a response yet, I am assuming it is quite late to start the proceeds for the month. However your hostess for Jan is in the loop and I shall request her to announce the event by end Dec / early Jan for the first edition of WBB in 2008. In the meanwhile, you can expect a recap from me about WBB 2007 soon!

Comments

Oh yes!! Two post already, Now thats like our amazing nandita!!Cool!! and hey when I go around our blogging now a days, i see cookies n cakes n celebrations!!Your cake looks lovely and it might have just creeped into my christmas menu as our additions to the list of guests hasn’t stopped and so my menu!!!Nice to have u back and look i already started chatting away!!have a great weekend

Nice to see you back in the swing of things! I love banana cake and am always on the look out for new variations, so I’ll certainly give this one a try.Wishing you and all your readers a very happy new yearKamini

Hi NanditaAm visiting your blog for the first time and am much impressed by what you offer on the blog. Theres a lot to learn and make. Greeting come to you from Botswana from a fellow blogger, who now love making cakes. Do visit the blog whenever you can.Happy holidays for now.